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Facile synthesis of Sarcochlamys pulcherrima mediated silver nanoparticles for antibacterial, antibiofilm, and network pharmacology evaluation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has transpired as aneconomical, efficient and environmentally friendlycompared to conventional methods. In this study, Sarcochlamys pulcherrima leaf extract was made to be used as a natural reducing and capping agent to fabricate silver nanoparticles (sp-AgNPs), which were further evaluated for antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. The sp-AgNPs were synthesized via two ways; Heating at 80 °C and Non-heating methodsto evaluate the particle size difference on the antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy.The sp-AgNPs were characterized using standard techniques ofUV-Vis spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The colour change pre and post synthesis and subsequent characteristic UV-Vis peaks confirmed successful nanoparticle formation. Zeta and SEM analyses of sp-AgNPs revealed average sizes of 37.6-45.1 nm for Heat and 44.7-53.9 nm for Non-heatwith spherical, needle-like morphology. EDX confirmed the presence of silver ionin sp-AgNPs. Antibacterial assays against B.subtilis, S.aureus, P.aeruginosa, and E.coli showed inhibitory zones with both synthesis methods. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Maximum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) for sp-AgNPs wereevaluated and antibiofilm activity performed.Superior biofilm inhibition of 67.51-83.14%was demonstrated by Non-heatingsynthesismethod compared to 50.93-73.76% reduction bythe heatmethod.Further, the Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) data and Network pharmacology identified key antibacterial phytoconstituents targeting immune and metabolic pathways like AKT1, STAT3, and CASP3. Overall, this study demonstrates a facile green synthesis of sp-AgNPs with potent antibacterial and antibiofilm potential which can be harnessed for future biomedical applications.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-51567-y